Wihongi Tomahawk Review

100 Knives in 100 Days Giveaway: Browning Black Label Wihongi Signature Tomahawk

The drawing for this tomahawk has closed, but be sure to leave a comment on our Official 100 Knives in 100 Days Giveaway post.  There are still almost 40 drawings to go. Also, be sure to check out the Schwarzer Blades dagger we are giving away this weekend.

 

We have written quite a bit about Browning knives throughout our 100 Knives in 100 Days Giveaway. They were extremely generous, sending us 8 knives plus their Browning Black Label Wihongi Signature Tomahawk. I know that to call it a “knife” is a stretch, but it more than makes up for it in “cool factor”.

If you want to win this tomahawk, you must Register for a free KnifeMagazine.com account and leave a comment on THIS POST. If you would like to enter the 40 or so drawings we have remaining in our 100 Knives Giveaway, leave a separate comment on the Official Contest Thread. Your one comment there remains valid until the conclusion of our giveaway.

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Browning Knives, and they put together this promotional video to celebrate.

The Browning Black Label Wihongi Tomahawk was designed by Browning’s tactical knife specialist Jared Wihongi. Jared is a former Salt Lake City SWAT team member, and an expert in Filipino Martial Arts. He travels the world teaching hand to hand combat and defense to law enforcement, military, and private groups. Jared is originally from New Zealand and is of Maori descent, and the Wihongi Tomahawk reflects the warrior tradition of the Maori people in both function and in its aesthetic. All Wihongi series Black Label knives are decorated with Maori tribal motifs.

From Browning:

“I have grown up as a martial artist and a student of the Filipino fighting system Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, which specializes in both edges and impact weapons. For the last two decades, I’ve been to almost every corner of the globe, teaching law enforcement, security and military about the function of knives as tools of combat and personal defense. In that time I have learned there are many styles of tactical knives that can work well for the intent of their design. Thus the knives in my Signature Line are the expression of the form and function I prefer in a tactical knife.” – Jared Wihongi

Specs: (As reported by Browning)

WIHONGI TOMAHAWK
Sheath Description Kydek
Main Blade Length 2 7/8″
Overall Length 13″
Blade Composition 420 Stainless
Handle Material Cord Wrapped
Rockwell Steel Hardness 51-54
MSRP $69.99

Personal Observations:

There is a fair amount of nuance in what some may consider a brute-force tool, starting with the ergonomics. The cord wrap provides a grippy surface for one’s hand, but the way the handle is wrapped with the crossovers at the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the handle allows it to index extremely well. There is immediate tactile feedback as to the orientation of the tool.

The Wihongi Tomahawk is even more comfortable when choked up onto the finger grooves of the head below the “hook” of the head. It places the tomahawk in a natural punching position, and would allow the tool to be used for cutting, shaving, and I imagine even skinning.

By all appearances, the Wihongi Tomahawk is a rock-solid tool. Of course, I didn’t go wail a contest prize against an oak stump, but no fewer than 3 attachment points affix the head to the handle. I feel confident that it will hold up.

The sheath is well constructed, and when used with the snapping strap, provides solid retention with minimal “battle-rattle”. The belt loop is a touch on the small side.

Outside review:

I was surprised that I couldn’t find a review of this one. I was able to find a video of Jared Wihongi demonstrating tomahawk techniques. I am fascinated by Kali, but feel I am personally better suited for a more intuitive and gross motor focused system like Krav Maga. That said, I think it is beautiful to watch, and I have little doubt extremely effective when used by a skilled practitioner.


Once again, we would like to thank the good folks at Browning for their support of our 100 Knives in 100 Days Giveaway. I have personally enjoyed getting to examine the spectrum of knives they provided us, and I am walking away with a new respect for their products. “Knives” are not the first thing that comes to my mind when I think “Browning”. That honor is, and will remain with their venerable Buckmark pistol, but it will definitely now be a close second.

Remember, This drawing is closed. If you would like to enter the 40 or so drawings we have remaining in our 100 Knives Giveaway, leave a separate comment on the Official Contest Thread. Your one comment there remains valid until the conclusion of our giveaway.